Sherpao wants Afghans refugees’ stay extended

PESHAWAR (Pajhwok): A senior Pakistani politician has urged the government to avoid sending Afghan refugees home on the expiry of the June 30 deadline.

The Afghan refugees should be allowed to stay in Pakistan till the complete restoration of peace in their homeland, the Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) chief demanded.

Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao suggested a viable strategy for the honourable rehabilitation/repatriation of the refugees during the ongoing peace process.

Pakistan had served the refugees for about four decades, the QWP chairman said In a statement on Tuesday. He warned against any decision in haste.

A hasty decision would not only cause hatred, but could also spoil the services Pakistan had been rendering for the welfare of the Afghans, he argued.

Sherpao added the government should not ignore the stand of UNHCR on the Afghan refugees as it would help build a good image of the country at the international level.

He urged both Islamabad and Kabul to improve bilateral trade and diplomatic relations and facilitate citizens of both countries.

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